REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim Taylor Swift as Honorary Mayor and Name the City of Santa Clara to “Swiftie Clara” for Ceremonial Purposes Only During the Period of July 28, 2023 to July 29, 2023
Report
BACKGROUND
The internationally recognized and beloved artist, Taylor Swift, will be performing in Santa Clara on July 28 and 29, 2023, as part of the Eras Tour at Levi's Stadium. Santa Clara has been honored to host Taylor Swift on six occasions over three tours at Levi’s ® Stadium, beginning with “The 1989 World Tour” in 2015, followed by “The Reputation Stadium Tour” in 2018, and “The Eras Tour” in 2023.
Discover Santa Clara,® the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) along with Taylor Swift fans have shared ideas and interest with the City for the opportunity to commemorate the tour, which benefits the City of Santa Clara and showcases the City’s support for the arts and entertainment.
The Taylor Swift Eras tour has garnered unanimous critical acclaim, praising its exceptional concept, production, and Taylor Swift's remarkable musicianship, and versatility as an entertainer. Notably, the demand for tickets has reached unprecedented heights, with Taylor Swift's loyal fan base, known as the “Swifties," eagerly awaiting her arrival.
Several other cities hosting the Eras Tour have taken the initiative to celebrate in ceremonial ways, creating a truly unforgettable experience for fans and visitors alike. Below are examples of other cities and formal actions to commemorate the Eras Tour:
• Glendale, AZ - The city was renamed to “Swift City”
• Arlington, TX - The city renamed a street to “Taylor Swift Way” right outside of AT&T Stadium
• Tampa, FL - The city was renamed “Swiftsborough,” as it lies within Hillsborough County
• Houston, TX - The NRG Stadium was renamed “NRG Stadium (Taylor’s version)”
• Nashville, TE - Proclaimed “Taylor’s Swift’s Homecoming Weekend”
• Foxborough, MA - Governor Maura Healey wrote an official citation to welcome Swift, calling it “a “Governor’s Citation (Maura’s Version)”
• East Rutherford, NJ - Governor Phil Murphy declared the “Taylor Swift Ham, Egg, and Cheese” as the official State Sandwich of New Jersey
• Pittsburgh, PA - the city was ceremonially renamed “Swiftsburgh”
By designating a period in Santa Clara to honor the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, we aim to celebrate and recognize her significant contributions to the music industry and demonstrate the City's support for this exceptional artist. The City of Santa Clara will proclaim Taylor Swift as honorary Mayor and welcome “Swifties” to the “City of Swiftie Clara” from Friday, July 28, 2023 to Saturday, July 29, 2023.
DISCUSSION
At the July 18, 2023 City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim Taylor Swift as Honorary Mayor and name the City of Santa Clara to “Swiftie Clara” for ceremonial purposes only during the period of July 28, 2023 to July 29, 2023.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Manager’s Office and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Maria Le, Assistant to the City Manager, Mayor and Council Office
Approved by: Jōvan D. Grogan, City Manager